Kentucky's losses not affecting staff's recruting class

On a weekly teleconference normally devoted to previewing the next opponent, Coach Mark Stoops was asked to peer a little bit farther into Kentucky's football future. Kentucky, which has lost six of its last seven games and 13 straight against Southeastern Conference foes, is still holding strong in the national recruiting rankings at No. 8.

On a weekly teleconference normally devoted to previewing the next opponent, Coach Mark Stoops was asked to peer a little bit farther into Kentucky's football future.

Kentucky, which has lost six of its last seven games and 13 straight against Southeastern Conference foes, is still holding strong in the national recruiting rankings at No. 8.

Stoops was asked if recruits in that class have expressed concern about UK's lack of success this season.

"No, it's not an issue at all," the coach said on Wednesday's SEC teleconference. He said no one associated with the program, including recruits in this upcoming class, is deterred.

"Everybody knows where we're headed and that we're moving toward good things. And, no, the wins and losses on the field has not hurt us at all. I think everybody that watches us very closely sees the improvement in this team at one time or another, we're just not consistent enough right now."

How has there been so much recruiting success despite the 2-7 record this season?

What's Stoops' message to the players in this class?

"We show them exactly what we do, what our plan is and what we're going to do offensively and defensively, how we're going to help develop these young men on the field, off the field, leadership, strength and conditioning and all the things we're continuing to do in our program and that's a big thing, just getting to know these guys, getting them on campus and showing them who we are and where we're going," Stoops said.

"These guys know," he continued. "Most of these recruits knew that we were going to be in for a tough year this year and they know we're progressing and getting better and working toward the future."